Torchmate 2 or PlasmaRoute CNC Table?

[jmusser15]

Well I am new to this forum and I am looking to purchase a CNC Plasma Table in the next 3 to 6 months and I am trying to do my homework. I would like a 4'x8' Table and would like a system that has "open architecture" so that I have flexibility in the future. I am looking at the Torchmate 2 and building my own table or the Plasmaroute XR series with some upgrades. I am looking for feedback from owners and users of these tables to help me make my final decision between the two. I like the fact that I could build my own table and save a few dollars doing so with the Torchmate 2. I am open to other recommendations as well.

[jmusser15]

Ok, I am opening this up to anyone. Really looking for some feedback and direction for a new CNC Plasma Table Purchase.

[magma-joe]

Originally Posted by jmusser15 Ok, I am opening this up to anyone. Really looking for some feedback and direction for a new CNC Plasma Table Purchase.

Jmusser15,

I'm not sure what your budget is but I would look at Dynatorch before you make your purchase. It is not an open architecture machine but there is one distinct advantage. Dynatorch writes their own software for their machines. If a proprietary machine builder wants to make sales they have to constantly improve their product. That is just what Dynatorch does.

Their software features are customer driven. I have personally have called and suggested a feature be added and it was- the next day! There are other owners who will confirm this. Who knows better than the users of their machine.

They also offer lifetime software and machine support 7 days per week excluding Sunday mornings. Their standard machine comes with servo motors and planetary gear boxes. You can also buy just the drive package and build the table yourself. There are other OEM manufacturers using their drive package like
Victory CNC Plasma Systems
and
CNC Plasma Cutter | FastCut CNC Inc.

I have owned one since 2005 and have been pleased with the machine and service. Recently I have been helping a friend construct a Torchmate 2 and I can tell you the difference between the 2 machines and software features are like night and day.
http://www.dynatorch.com/

Magma-joe

[WSS]

Originally Posted by magma-joe Their software features are customer driven. I have personally have called and suggested a feature be added and it was- the next day! There are other owners who will confirm this. Who knows better than the users of their machine. Magma-joe

Yes, this is true. The DynaTorch software is tops. Need something special? Just ask Mike. Really good oxy/fuel interface as well.

Support is the best I have had on any machine (Hypertherm and Miller are way up there too). Six days a week for sure. Leon is very intuitive with his machines. I know there have been quite a few changes to the Gantry lately as well. The Vees on the slave side look like a good idea.

WSS

[Alleykat]

I started a thread about PlasmaRoute a while back.Currently waiting to hear from another member on here.

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/cnc_pl...nc_blaze2.html

After searching on here I did find others with machines by them and they were all pretty happy.

[BTA PLASMA]

Plasmaroute is a good machine I dont think its a fair comparison.

[landmark]

If you have the fabircation skills to build a square flat table, I would go with precision plasmas set up with the belt drives and the dragon cut control system from Candcnc. You will save alot of money

[jimcolt]

There are hundreds of different cnc plasma table configurations.....with pricing from $3000 to a million dollars. You need to develop some criteria that is important to your cutting needs is you are shopping for a cnc plasma system....here are a few items to consider:

1. Plate size of the materials you will be cutting.
2. Material type and thicknesses required.....what is the maximum thickness and what will you be cutting most of the time?
3. Accuracy requirements.
4. Fume control.....will a downdraft work for you....or will a water table/water tray arrangement work.
5. Software for post processing, as well as for drawing parts.....are you fluent with a computer, or would you like entry level, easy to learn, easy to use?
6. Throughput and productivity. Occasional cutting or one, two, threes shifts of cuttin?
7. Budget.....if you have only $5k to spend, this quickly eliminates a lot of options!


Regardless of some of the posts that you will see on this subject....every single brand and design of cnc plasma machine will show advantages and disadvantages compared to the others. There is no one system that covers all users needs.

So I would suggest reposting with some of your important requirements...then let those that are experienced on this site, or that own systems respond as to how each machine fits or doesn't fit the requirement. Just listening to people bash particular brands without technical details to back it up is almost useless!

Jim